TEN days from now Liverpool will be able to celebrate a first Commonwealth flyweight champion in nearly 15 years.

Peter Culshaw was the last Scouse fighter to own the belt, but on May 19 at Aintree Racecourse, either Paul Edwards or Kevin Satchell will give it a Merseyside home once again.

The city duo are former sparring partners but will fight for real a week on Saturday with the Commonwealth strap being added to the English title scrap, which also acts as a British championship eliminator.

Promoter Frank Maloney revealed the news at yesterday’s press conference and whoever emerges victorious from this exciting derby battle will be the first man from these parts to hold the belt since 1997.

Only a draw will prevent the Commonwealth crown, vacated by Chris Edwards, from returning to Liverpool.

Both fighters were aware that Maloney was working on upgrading their bout but only got confirmation when they arrived at the press conference at the Sakura restaurant.

If meeting Paul Edwards represents a significant step up in class for Satchell (7-0) then fighting over the 12 round championship distance would be another leap for the Everton Red Triangle man.

The 23-year-old, who dropped Martin Power en route to a career best points win in January, has yet to go beyond six rounds but is adamant he has more than sufficient fitness.

“I could have gone 15 rounds,” said Satchell of his win over Power.

“I felt great after the six rounds. I’ve been sparring eight, 10 and 12 rounds for this fight and I’ve felt good.

“I know for a fact that I’ll be able to do the 12 rounds.

“It would be stupid of me not to think this fight will go 12 rounds because I’m just setting myself up then.”

Edwards (9-1), the former British 8st champion, went 12 rounds in June last year against namesake Chris and says nothing can prepare Satchell for the championship distance.

The 25-year-old, who is trained by Franny Smith, lost his Lonsdale Belt on a split decision that night but feels himself a better fighter for the experience.

“In the fight you will be thinking about it,” he said.

“I know now, he’s saying he’s fit and ready to do 12 rounds but come fight night, when that gets in his head and he’s getting hit with hard shots, he’s going to be like ‘what's happening here?’

“It’s going to be a shock to him.”

Culshaw won the Commonwealth crown in June 1996 when halting Daniel Ward in three rounds.

The ‘Choirboy’ defended his title against James Wanene (TKO7) but lost it to Adey Lewis on September 11, 1997.

Culshaw regrouped after his first career defeat and ended up becoming a two weight ‘world’ champion before having a final bout in 2004.